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Paul Ricard - FRA27/04/2013

An in-form Kuppens opens a spectacular 2013 Trofeo

Kuppens. The reigning champion got his title tilt off to the best of starts with two sprint wins and a second spot in the endurance event. His was a display of confident, error-free driving. Often tested by the others early on, the Belgian responded brilliantly and controlled the races. Getting off to a good start is important and 2013 has begun better than last year when Kuppens came away from Jarama with an empty points bag.

Standing in the way of Kuppens and another title will be a series of challengers, among them Mikkel Mac. The young Belgian won the endurance race and pulled off three splendid comebacks at Paul Ricard. Mac is not Kuppens’ only potential rival. The Simoni/Ragazzi, Romagnoli/Calamia and Fascicolo/Cecchellero crews all showed that they have what it takes to rack up the podium finishes - Fascicolo/Cecchellero even collected precious points after starting from the back of the pack.

Rain often makes racing more exciting. Continual overtaking, on-the-limit handling, mistakes and crashes characterise driving in the wet. However, even in the dry, the Provence weekend proved that thrills and spills will be the order of the day for the entire Trofeo season.